In this guide
The trade-off in one line
Leasing keeps your upfront cost low and spreads it over time. Buying costs more at the start and less in total if you keep the device long enough.
Questions to ask yourself
Your answers usually make the decision.
- How much cash can I comfortably put down today?
- How long will I use this device? A year or five?
- How stable are my sales? A daily lease adds up on quiet days as well as busy ones.
- Do I want to be able to upgrade or hand it back?
- What happens if it breaks or is lost?
Work out the break-even point
Divide the purchase price by the lease payment to find how many payments it takes for leasing to cost as much as buying. If you expect to use the device for longer than that, buying is cheaper overall. If you might stop, or want to keep your cash free, leasing may suit you better. Our lease-or-buy calculator does the sum for any device.
Do not forget the rest
A device is only one part of the cost of taking cards. Ask what the terms are, what is included, and what you are responsible for. We publish the prices of our devices, and the terms for each option are given when you register interest.
The short version
Compare the total cost over the time you expect to use the device, keep your cash needs in mind and check what is and is not included.
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Last reviewed 26 September 2026.